Ram Bhagat

Dr. Ram Bhagat is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Social Sciences and Professions at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), affiliated with the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding. He concurrently serves as Manager of School Climate and Culture Strategy for Richmond Public Schools, focusing on trauma-informed and restorative practices. His professional journey includes roles as an educator, arts innovator, and peacemaker.

• Education: EDD in Leadership (Virginia Commonwealth University), M.Ed. in School/Community Counseling (Virginia State University), BSc in Microbiology (Virginia State University).

His research interests center on healing trauma through mindfulness, social emotional learning, and culturally responsive arts-based approaches. He co-founded the Richmond Youth Peace Project (RYPP) and Drums No Guns (DNG) Foundation, using music and arts to address youth trauma and community healing. He also serves on the board of The Conciliation Project, addressing systemic racism through dramatic dialogue.

Dr. Bhagat has trained with the International Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities program, facilitating post-genocide trauma healing in Burundi, and teaches trauma awareness (STAR program). His work integrates yoga and indigenous mindfulness practices into educational settings, informed by decades of study under Dr. Janeshwar Upadyay.

• Grants/Initiatives: Developed 3D curriculum for Yale University’s National Initiative to Strengthen Public School Teaching, infusing arts into STEM education.

He resides in Richmond, VA, balancing academic engagement with community-driven peacebuilding efforts.